OMC: You probably don't care much about reviews anymore, but you went 36 years between musical albums. Not everyone loved 1968's "The Transformed Man," but then this world-famous choreographer makes a ballet from your next album, and it's critically acclaimed. For "Has Been," you worked with some stellar musicians. Is this one of the things that you're especially proud of in your career?

WS: The album?

OMC: Yeah, and the subsequent machinations that have come from it.

WS: Absolutely. To me, it's one of the most creative things I've ever done. Thusly, the ballet and the documentary. That stands on its own, as well. It's uniquely its own. It combines the spoken word, the spontaneous reaction of people to a variety of things, and the approved ballet, itself. It not only has music and dance, it has words and becomes a documentary that is a unique piece of art in a separate medium.

OMC: You seem to be more busy that most of your 78-year-old peers, I imagine.

WS: They're just busy trying to remember where their home is. My benefit is that I can remember where my home is.

OMC: And you're still working up a storm. What's next for you?

WS: Jeez, a lot. More comic book lines are coming up this year. I have a talk show called, "Raw Nerve," which is out there and getting great reviews. I have the soft cover version of my autobiography called, "Up To Now." I just sold another show and another book I'm planning.

OMC: So you're not slowing down?

WS: And, I'm going to ride in a horse show on my way to world championships in August. I'm practicing right now for next weekend.

OMC: Can we talk a little about the William Shatner brand, the mystique?

WS: The brand?

OMC: Well, there's something about you that attracts fans of several generations. Is it the self-deprecating sense of humor, or your range? I mean, what's your secret?

WS: I just think there are creative juices flowing, and I don't wish to stop them.

OMC: I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you one "Star Trek" question. You're not in the new movie, and you've been very gracious toward J.J. Abrams in your comments. But do you still have the passion to play Captain Kirk one more time?

WS: Well, I know J.J. Abrams a little bit, and what I would say to him in the moment which I hope I get in the near future, is why not write something for the Kirk character as he approaches death once again? But as he dies, with having lived a full life, what would that do? How would that work in an action movie?

OMC: Lets drum up some support for that.

WS: Who knows?